Ald. James Cappleman Marries Longtime Partner Richard Thale

UPTOWN — Ald. James Cappleman (46th) married his companion of more than two decades, Richard Thale, over the weekend.

Cappleman announced the marriage Sunday via Facebook, posting a picture of he and Thale beaming and holding their marriage certificate.

"After 22 years, at last we're married surrounded by family and friends," Cappleman wrote in the picture's description. "Can't wait to celebrate the day that's coming soon when other same-sex couples can get married in Illinois!"

The alderman said that he has six siblings on the West Coast, so the couple tied the knot in Seattle, Wash., to be near his family. Washington state is one of 13 states in the country where same-sex couples can marry.

Cappleman and Thale already had a civil union in Illinois, but couples in civil unions lack protections under federal law afforded to married couples, such as the right to file joint tax returns, Social Security survivor and spousal benefits, and other rights.

Last month, when Cappleman announced plans to travel to Seattle and marry Thale, he said in a Tweet: "We need the federal protections and don't want to risk the wait."